Nolan Wells’ mom reflected on some of the dreams her 18-year-old son had for his future while speaking at his funeral.

Ahead of Rev. Al Sharpton’s eulogy on Monday, July 20, Christine Wonsley shared through tears that Wells, who was found ᴅᴇᴀᴅ two days after a Fourth of July party in Mississippi, brought so much joy to everybody who knew him — and that he spoke often about his hope to become a father someday.

The Wonsley family, from left to right, Christine, her Husband Elmore, sons Elmore Jr. and Ethan attend a memorial service Nolan Xavier Wells, an 18-year-old found ᴅᴇᴀᴅ after taking a July 4 boat trip with friends, Monday, July 20, 2026, in Ocean Springs, Miss.

“He wanted to have 3 daughters,” Wonsley said, sharing that he even had names picked out for them: Sophia, Charlotte and Olivia.

“If you ever had the privilege of meeting our son Nolan, or calling him a friend, then you experienced a glimpse of God’s love through him,” she told loved ones gathered at Center Pointe Church. “He was both protective and nurturing.”

As her remarks continued, Wonsley reflected on the heartbreak her family feels.

Nolan Wells’ Funeral Draws Packed Crowd and Emotional Memories

“We will miss everything about him. From his quiet nature, to the corny jokes, his gentle smile, the way he made everyone around him feel comfortable, loved and at ease,” she said. “Your absence has left an emptiness.”

“A piece of our hearts will always be missing. Nolan, your father and I are incredibly proud of you. We’ve always been proud of you, of the young man you were, and we will always be proud of the legacy of love, kindness, and faith that you have left behind,” she added. “In a world that can often feel dark, be like Nolan. Be the light that brightens the lives of those around you.”

Hundreds gathered at the Ocean Springs church for the emotional service.

Wells’ dark blue casket was adorned with baby blue and white flowers, while various jerseys from throughout his athletic career are were displayed in frames on either side of the casket.

Additionally, many attendees honored Wells by wearing shades of blue, especially light blue, after his mother encouraged those who wished to wear color to do so.

People line up for a viewing during a memorial service for Nolan Xavier Wells, an 18-year-old found ᴅᴇᴀᴅ after taking a July 4 boat trip with friends, Monday, July 20, 2026, in Ocean Springs, Miss.
People line up for a viewing during a memorial service for Nolan Xavier Wells, an 18-year-old found ᴅᴇᴀᴅ after taking a July 4 boat trip with friends, Monday, July 20, 2026, in Ocean Springs, Miss.
Much remains unknown about Wells’ final hours and although law enforcement have said they haven’t found signs of foul play and think Wells could have drowned, his parents think something more nefarious could have potentially taken place.

Speaking at the funeral, Ben Crump, the family’s attorney, said their goal was simple.

“Wouldn’t you want answers? Wouldn’t you want transparency? Wouldn’t you want the truth? Wouldn’t you want justice?” he said.

“We stand for truth,” he added, “no matter who it implicates or exonerates.”

Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter and Wells’ family, who are conducting their own parallel investigation, have asked anyone with firsthand information to come forward.